Tirupati Stampede: CM Naidu Announces ₹25 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Victims' Families, Judicial Inquiry Ordered
A stampede at Tirupati temple on January 8 resulted in six deaths and 40 injuries during a rush for darshan tokens. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu announced ₹25 lakh compensation for victims’ families and a judicial inquiry. He acknowledged security failures and suspended officials for negligence. Opposition leader Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the lack of crowd management. PM Modi and others expressed condolences, with investigations and relief efforts ongoing.
Tragic Incident at Tirumala Temple
On January 8, 2025, a devastating stampede occurred at Vishnu Nivasam during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tokens for the Tirumala Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple. The incident claimed six lives, including three women, and left nearly 40 devotees injured as hundreds jostled for tickets during the rush.
Ex-Gratia and Relief Measures by Andhra CM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep sorrow and announced significant relief measures:
₹25 Lakh Ex-Gratia: Financial aid for the families of the deceased.
Contract Jobs: Employment assurance for the victims’ families.
Special Darshan: Injured victims will be given priority darshan at the temple.
Naidu personally visited the site and reviewed the situation with the Director-General of Police (DGP), TTD Executive Officer (EO), and other district officials.
Judicial Inquiry and Accountability
To ensure a thorough investigation, CM Naidu announced a judicial inquiry into the incident. Key steps include:
Submission of a detailed report on the causes and lapses.
Suspension of Goshala Director Arunadh Reddy and a police personnel for negligence.
Transfers of SP, AEO Gautami, and other involved officials for administrative lapses.
Naidu acknowledged a failure in security arrangements but refrained from direct blame. He stated, “I’m not blaming anyone, but better coordination and precautions were needed. If the release of tokens had been staggered, this tragedy could have been avoided.”
Criticism from Opposition
YSR Congress Party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and state government for their negligence.
He questioned the lack of systematic arrangements despite anticipating a massive crowd for Vaikunta Ekadashi.
Reddy pointed out lapses at ticket counters and inadequate deployment of security forces.
“This incident could have been prevented with better planning and execution,” Reddy emphasized.
National Leaders Express Grief
Top political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, expressed their condolences.
PM Modi: “Pained by the stampede in Tirupati. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones, and I pray for the recovery of the injured.”
Rahul Gandhi: Extended sympathies to the victims’ families and urged better measures to ensure safety during pilgrimages.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also offered condolences, stating, “This tragic incident calls for immediate corrective measures.”
Broader Impact on the Community
The tragic event has cast a shadow over one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Devotees travel in millions annually to the Tirumala temple, particularly during Vaikunta Ekadashi. The stampede has raised critical concerns about managing large crowds during such events.
Event Cancellations in Light of the Tragedy
The makers of the film Daaku Maharaj canceled their pre-release event, originally scheduled for Thursday, as a mark of respect for the victims. Sithara Entertainment stated, “It is heart-wrenching to see such an incident occur at Lord Venkateswara temple, a place of hope and devotion.”
Future Safety Measures
The tragedy has underscored the importance of robust crowd management systems, especially during high-profile religious events. Authorities have pledged to enhance planning, coordination, and security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
